MADERA (KMJ) — A mobility course – designed to help young people with disabilities learn how to navigate everyday life – has been opened at Valley Children's Hospital.
It's the brainchild of Liam Niewohner. The 15 year old boy scout has a condition which makes it difficult to walk long distances.
He was born three months prematurely at Valley Children's Hospital – he wanted to help the place that helped him.
“I never thought it would be this soon,” Liam says. “But it’s really happening!”
For his Eagle Scout Service Project, Liam proposed raising funds and building the course. The Fresno Regional Foundation heard about Liam’s story, and helped secure a $75,000 grant from the Bennett Family Foundation Fund. Liam raised $4000 himself to help cover the costs.
“The Fresno Regional Foundation is proud to partner with Valley Children’s on this project, a beneficiary of an investment by the Bennett Family Foundation", says Fresno Regional Foundation President and CEO Hugh Ralston.
"Liam’s enthusiasm and desire to help others drew Mr. Bennett’s attention, and he was happy to support funding the project. We have the great privilege of working with many donors who invest in organizations that make life better for others and our community a stronger place.”
“We’re so proud of Liam,” says Dr. Jennifer Crocker, Valley Children’s medical director, pediatric rehabilitation. “This course will allow therapists to work with each patient on specific areas of need. It will also help build the patient’s self-confidence and self-esteem.”
The mobility course is about the size of a tennis court, and is designed to help those with disabilities learn how to overcome things like curbs and barriers.
